repay

views updated

re·pay / rēˈpā/ • v. (past and past part. -paid / rēˈpād/ ) [tr.] pay back (a loan, debt, or sum of money): the loans were to be repaid over a 20-year period. ∎  pay back money borrowed from (someone): most of his fortune had been spent repaying creditors. ∎  do or give something as recompense for (a favor or kindness received): the manager has given me another chance and I'm desperate to repay that faith.DERIVATIVES: re·pay·a·ble adj.re·pay·ment n.